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PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Jon Lester gave up six runs in two innings during his first outing of 2016, and the Seattle Mariners beat Chicago 10-8 Thursday to extend the Cubs' losing streak to seven.
Beginning his second season in Chicago, Lester gave up hits to four of his first five batters and needed 50 pitches to get six outs. He allowed three earned runs and seven hits and also committed one of the Cubs' three errors.
Stefen Romero hit a two-run double in the first and scored on Adam Lind's double. Luis Sardinas and Romero hit RBI singles in the second, when Lester made a throwing error on a comebacker and shortstop Kristopher Negron misplayed Robinson Cano's grounder for a run-scoring error.
Seattle starter Wade Miley allowed three runs and four hits in three innings, including a second-inning homer by Jorge Soler, who had been 0 for 10.
Javier Baez hit a two-run homer for the Cubs.
STARTING TIME
Cubs: Lester admitted he wasn't sharp.
"Not ideal," he said. "My delivery felt good, and the ball felt good coming out of my hand. But it is what it is, and you just move on. I got my work in in the game, and the next one, it should make it that much easier."
Mariners: First-year manager Scott Servais said Miley got the ball up in the second inning but still got an overall good impression.
"Generally, he looked good, and he's right where he needs to be," Servais said.
CUBS ATTACK
Baez also doubled, raising his average to .267, and Arismendy Alcantara stole his fourth base. He also was retired on a pickoff by Miley.
WILD
Cubs pitchers had combined to give up just 18 walks in their first eight games, but gave up six against the Mariners.
MARINERS AT THE PLATE
Sardinas is hitting .500 (9 for 18), Romero .571 (8 for 14) and Montero .294 (5 for 17).
TRAINER'S ROOM
Cubs: Left fielder Kyle Schwarber departed early in the game with a sore left knee that occurred on a play in the outfield.
UP NEXT
Cubs: RHP John Lackey is to makes his exhibition debut against Cincinnati in Mesa.
Mariners: Hisashi Iwakuma is slated to pitch against San Francisco at Scottsdale.
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